Description

Audio

Juventas New Music Ensemble

Duration

8 min.

Text

Barry Duncan

Program Notes

Are we individual actors, alone together? Or are we bound by our common humanity? Connect All. We All Connect. explores the interconnectedness of people in today’s world. At times fragile and questioning, at times confident and affirming, the piece ultimately sounds a message that we are our best selves when we embrace heartfelt connection.

Master Palindromist Barry Duncan’s text unfolds through a series of five letter-by-letter palindromes (e.g. Sum: It Saved. Am I made vast? I’m us.) interspersed with a longer word-by-word palindrome (e.g. Connect all. We All Connect.). The music interplays with the text by incorporating palindromic elements of melody, harmony and form. These mirror effects serve as a metaphor for human connection, inspired by the image of two people looking in opposite directions to face each other. As the music passes its midpoint, sections reverse, illuminating new angles on familiar tones.

Oliver Caplan

Award-winning composer Oliver Caplan writes melodies that nourish our souls, offering a voice of hope in an uncertain world. Mr. Caplan’s works have been performed in over 120 performances nationwide. He has been commissioned by the Atlanta Chamber Players, Bella Piano Trio and Bronx Arts Ensemble, among others. Winner of a Special Citation for the American Prize in Orchestral Composition, additional recognitions include Veridian Symphony Competition Wins, Fifth House Ensemble Competition Grand Prize and VCCA fellowships. Recordings of Mr. Caplan’s music include his 2012 debut album Illuminations, 2015 EP Moon Over Appalachia and a track on the Sinfonietta of Riverdale’s 2016 album New World Serenade. www.olivercaplan.com